Previously, outdoor designated smoking areas were allowed, but those will no longer be available.

“Going tobacco-free will improve the environment for patients, family members, employees, physicians, volunteers and all those who come to our facilities,” said Bruce Traverse, president and CEO of Carson City Hospital.

The affected hospitals will continue to offer support and aid to employees who would like to quit smoking, including free smoking cessation classes and nicotine gum and patches.

The move is part of a statewide swing of hospitals that have banned the use of tobacco products on the property. According to the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, 37 of Michigan's 145 hospitals have created a tobacco-free setting for both employees and patients.

Historically, smoking rates in Michigan have been among the highest in the U.S. One in four adults is a smoker and, annually, nearly 30,000 people younger than 18 begin smoking.

According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, the direct medical costs attributable to smoking are nearly $2.65 billion annually.

The MHA is behind the effort to help health-organizations establish effective tobacco-free campuses.

“While we all agree that this is a difficult issue, becoming tobacco-free is the most effective way for each organization to provide the very best environment for everyone,” said Kevin J. Cawley, chief executive officer of Sheridan Community Hospital.

The MHA Web site has provided more information on their initiative. It can be reached by visiting www.mha.org, and by selecting the “Smoke-Free Hospital Campus” option.